Purpose Statement

Many programs throughout the year assist pre-health students with planning their academic schedules. The Buddy System pairs freshmen students with full AED members, providing the new students with a contact who has recently been in their shoes. Also, freshmen can attend informal advising sessions with upperclassmen that are held prior to registration periods. All pre-health advising for upperclassmen is organized through AED as well; programs are designed for those who are searching for the right health school and beginning the complex application process.
Service involvement is a vital aspect of a pre-health student's education. Many AED members are already involved with Furman's Collegiate Educational Service Corps (CESC). In addition, AED is working to establish several new service opportunities that will involve chapter members in ongoing, medically-related projects. More details will be forthcoming.

AED organizes many presentations by admissions representatives from health schools. Practicing health professionals often speak to AED members, candidly addressing topics such as the challenges of residency, operating (no pun intended) a practice, and having a family life outside of medicine. The National and State AED Conventions are yet another resource for chapter members; these conventions are held in alternating years and offer a wealth of speakers who address current topics in health care.

Furman's AED chapter has won numerous national awards during its history. Most recently, the chapter garnered recognitions for the largest delegation to the 2002 National Convention and for chapter activity over the last two years. While we are proud of our successes, we anticipate great things for the 2007-08 school year as we seek our goal of serving society through medicine.